I am looking at taking a 5-6 day trip heading in on either June 1st or June 15th. Permits are currently available on both dates for the EP I plan on heading in at. My BWCA trips usually revolve around walleye fishing.

With ice out happening a little later than it has the past couple years, will there likely be better walleye fishing in Mid-June? Yes, I know walleye are hard to predict but wanted to see if you think either date is likely to produce a better walleye fishing trip.

I'd go later dates.

If your area includes current areas I might pick the earlier trip. That warmer water might make them stack up.

T

Our group has gone to Quetico somewhere around June 15th +/- for years. Sometimes the walleye fishing is great. Sometimes it's just so-so. With the BWCA being south of Q, the walleye bite could be just a bit earlier (or maybe not). I would say grab a date that works for your schedule and go. A good fishing week this year might be last year's tough fishing week (or vice versa).

How's that for talking out of both sides of my mouth? LOL :)

For the areas I fish (BW and SNF), i've found the peak to be from about Memorial Weekend to Mid June. I think you're fine either way.

I have missed them in June twice...once early and once late June. Hammered them one year July 4th weekend. I think it's a roll of the dice.

AS jackfish stated- sometimes this - sometimes that when it comes to fishing.
my .02-- when it comes to catching eyes vs June 1st to June 15th - I'd focus on the body of water your wanting to fish. Clear/deeper lakes will warm slower and likely have better eye fishing June 15th compared to a stained/shallower lakes on June 15th with and early ice out. =--- Depending on how the Spring ice out and resultant weather is= water temp.

Basically comes down to water temp -- I find my best Spring eye water temps in the low to mid 50F's. Enough time (warmth) after the spawn to induce the big gals back into the party. Upper 40's may be a male party-,as the Big Gals are waiting for things to warm up post spawn.

I agree with Jackfish & WW , you make your dates and see what mother nature gives you , A june 1st date, you might find walleyes shallow and cooperating , later in june could dictate a warmer water temp and walleyes more active , might need sonar to find them , I'd be surprised if the water temp is below 50* june 1st ,i would still target ,, moving water of course(listen for little feeder/runoff creeks) -- bottleneck bays--visible rock piles & of course Sundown (magic hour) But with the Opener 2 weeks away , Should be some Awesome lake trout fishing , wish i could get myself up to seagull.